Newman News Term 2 Week 4: From the Leader of Mission and Catholic Identity

The Mission and Faith Life of our College continues to shine through the work of our staff who continue to participate in the dream of St Marcellin Champagnat “to make Jesus Christ known and loved” to all the young people in our care. The past two weeks has seen students participating in a range of activities from Retreat Days to Mothers Day Liturgies and Sacramental retreats. All these activities play an important role in helping our students discover who they are and who God is calling them to be.

Australian Marist Solidarity Fundraising

This term, Newman College has been focused on Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) in its fundraising appeals. This year Australian Marist Solidarity have launched their campaign, Fratelli Tutti: the Spirit of Solidarity. Activities and resources will be shared to raise awareness with students across PK-12 as we continue through Term 2. A big congratulations to Year 5 students who through a Humanities special project has raised close to $1000. This is a great start and our fundraising will continue through our Champagnat Day celebrations later this term.  To learn more about the work AMS does, please click here.

Marist Youth Ministry Regional Gathering

Year 11 and 12 students joined with students from St Joseph’s College Northam to reflect on who is their neighbour and how they can better serve the most vulnerable in our community. These values and idea of service is underpinned by our Marist Spirituality.

Marian Lecture: The Post-Covid Church

Staff and colleagues from around the Archdiocese gathered for the 2021 Marian Lecture, facilitated by the Association of St Marcellin Champagnat, where Mr Christopher Lamb presented on the Post-Covid Church: Crisis or Opportunity?

Mr Lamb is the foreign correspondent for the Tablet to the Vatican and has great insight to the papacy of Francis. Over 50 people attended this event, hosted in our Marist Auditorium where Mr Lamb reflected on the papacy. In his reflection he outlined Pope Francis as a disruptor, who seeks to challenge the Church to rediscover the radical message of Christ. He went on to remind us that the Church today invites all members to become active and involved in shaping the future and we in Australia have an opportunity to do this through the Plenary Council. Lastly to point out that Pope Francis encourages us to live simply and to be empathetic to our brothers and sisters. In a time of uncertainty, a community of people who walk with and support each other, is one that Christ calls us to be and is our hope for our Newman College community.

Thursday morning Community Mass – 8.10am every Thursday

Thank you to Thomas More Guild and Year 5 students and Brigid Guild and Year 6 students who hosted our Thursday morning community Mass in Weeks 3 and 4. Chisholm Guild and Year 4 will be hosting in Week 5 and Camara Guild and Year 3 in Week 6.

Our community Mass is the perfect way to start your day where students can gather with staff and their parents to begin the day. All parents are invited to attend with their students at least once a term.

Student Led Prayer

Faith and Liturgy Captains Lucy Brennan and Sarah Kerr continue to play an important role in our school, offering opportunity for students and staff to gather in the Chapel for 10mins of quiet prayer and reflection. Over the past few week’s students have created Mothers Day cards and reflected on the Anzac spirit. Please encourage your son/daughter to attend Student Led Prayer, which takes place in the Chapel every Friday at 8.25am.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will be taking part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation over the next few weeks. This is an opportunity for students to reflect on their relationship with God, with others and with themselves. The sacrament of Reconciliation is about forgiveness, mercy and encountering God’s love.

Through their Pastoral Care program, students will be asked to reflect on their behaviour and places where they need to seek forgiveness. Our students will be supported by the Redemptorist Monastery as they prepare for the sacrament.